SINT MAARTEN (MAHO) - The Fourth Annual Integrity Summit Dutch Caribbean officially commenced on November 2 and will continue through November 6, 2026. This annual initiative, organized by the National Integrity Bureaus across the Dutch Caribbean, brings together integrity professionals and key stakeholders to strengthen institutional governance, exchange knowledge, and advance regional cooperation. The Summit is facilitated by the Ministry of the Interior and Kingdom Relations (BZK) and is being hosted this year by the Integrity Chamber of Sint Maarten.
Held under the theme, “Building Stronger Organisations”, this year's program focuses on strengthening institutions by strengthening their integrity infrastructure. The sessions provide an opportunity for closer alignment, professional development, and in-depth discussions on matters directly related to integrity within their daily responsibilities.
The Summit was opened on Monday, November 2, with opening remarks by the President of the Integrity Chamber, Rik Bergman, the Honorable Prime Minister, Luc Mercelina, and His Excellency the Governor, Ajamu Baly.
A presentation was provided by the Director of the Integrity Chamber, Charna Pompier, on the ongoing progress review of the National Integrity System (NIS) of Sint Maarten. The opening ceremony concluded with a keynote address by Lady A. Anande Tropman-Joseph, Executive of the Commonwealth Caribbean Association of Integrity Commissions and Anti-Corruption Bodies. Addressing delegates during the opening of the Summit, Lady Anande emphasized that everything rises and falls on leadership and that leaders must have continuous dialogue and knowledge sharing to strengthen their oversight capacity. Her remarks highlighted the importance of ethical leadership in fostering a culture of integrity, transparency, and accountability.
The program during the week will also feature contributions from several distinguished guest speakers, including Mirto Murray, Attorney-at-Law; Brenda Martinez-Hammer, Administrative Law Judge and Investigating Judge at the Court of First Instance of St. Maarten; Jonathan Soeharno, Professor of Administration of Justice and Legal Philosophy at the University of Amsterdam; and Danny Hazejager, Public Prosecutor. Their respective areas of expertise will contribute valuable perspectives to discussions on integrity, accountability, and the role of public institutions in upholding ethical standards.
A total of 23 organizations and representatives are participating in this year's Summit, bringing together key leaders and professionals from across the six islands to strengthen cooperation, share practical experiences, and reinforce a collective approach to promoting integrity within public institutions.
The Fourth Annual Integrity Summit Dutch Caribbean reaffirms the region's shared commitment to ethical leadership, institutional accountability, and transparency. Through continued dialogue, collaboration, and the exchange of best practices, the Summit seeks to contribute to stronger, more accountable, and resilient public institutions throughout the Dutch Caribbean.
